Motor Meatloaf – Week 2

Welcome back all you Chef Boyardees you! This week we meander to the other side of the kitchen to talk about Capacitor Start, Split Phase, and Three Phase motors.

First, Capacitor Start. A Capacitor Start motor has a higher starting torque than Split Phase motors because it has a capacitor in series with the start winding. The capacitor is usually visible and mounted on the motor frame. Capacitor Start motors are typically used in hard-start applications such as compressors and pumps.

Second, Split Phase motors. Split Phase motors are typically used for belt drive furnace blowers and belt drive ventilators. They have a higher starting torque than PSC motors, but not as high as Capacitor Start motors. They are usually at defined rpm ratings such as 3450, 1725 or 1140. They are not constructed to provide the wide range of multi speeds as seen in shaded-pole or PSC motors.

Third, Three Phase motors. Three Phase motors are the most efficient general purpose motors. They are used in industrial or large commercial applications where three phase power is available.

Next week we will delve into the ingredients of motors and what to look for when matching a motor! Until then, bon appetit!